SD 60 clarifies bodily fluid policy to prevent spread of infection

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — School District (SD 60) has updated its health and safety policy to prevent the spread of infections through blood and other bodily fluids. 

SD 60’s Universal Precautions policy 5012 was updated during its April 14th meeting to align with WorkSafe BC regulations and the SD 60 health and safety site. 

The policy intends to ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities and have received training to clean and disinfect bodily fluids safely.

According to the updated policy, employees will participate in universal precautions training and follow the district’s regulations. Personal protective equipment will also be provided for the training. 

Board chair Helen Gilbert explained the policy used to consist of a mixture of procedures but is now updated to ensure top safety priorities are followed. 

“Prior to this, our policy was a bit of a blend of policy and procedures,” said Gilbert. 

Gilbert also explained the update ensures school operations are run efficiently under the WorkSafe BC regulations and not unnecessarily stated in two places. 

“If we leave it the way it is, every time WorkSafe BC makes a change related to universal precaution, we would then have to go and update our policy,” said Gilbert. 

Many of the guidelines were crossed out in the updated policy because they were already stated and followed in the WorkSafe BC regulations. 

The full policy change can be viewed on page 37 of the SD 60 April 14th agenda below: